Assembly passes bee bills

TRENTON — Two bills sponsored by Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Parker Space protecting the state’s bee population from pesticides were advanced by the Assembly.
“Pesticides wreak havoc on bee colonies. Not only do they kill bees, but they contaminate their pollen and nectar when a bee carries it back to the colony,” said Space (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “This is preventable with proper training and awareness.”
The first bill requires anyone applying pesticides to notify beekeepers when applying pesticides within three miles of a registered honey or native beehive. It requires beekeepers to register with the DEP by March 1 of each year if they want to be notified.
The second bill requires anyone applying pesticides to complete a training or continuing education course on the effect pesticides have on pollinating bees.